We were called to a report that just before 9:30pm on Sunday 31 August, a man was being racially abusive to a small group of men, women and children who were praying outside of the Jami Mosque.

It was reported that the man had approached the group and was being verbally abusive and threatening them.

A man from the group asked the man to leave them alone, but was then reportedly punched in the chest.

The man then pulled out a knife and behaved aggressively towards two men from the group, but reportedly discarded the knife before leaving the area.

Nobody was seriously injured during the incident.

An investigation has been launched and police are conducting thorough enquiries to establish the full circumstances.

A knife was located in the area has been seized by police.

As part of our enquiries, a 29-year-old man from Southsea has been arrested on suspicion of assault and possessing a knife blade / sharp pointed article in a public place.

He remains in police custody at this time.

If anyone witnessed this incident or has any information which could assist our investigation, please report this to us by calling 101 quoting 44250294485.